King and Queen attend JRF "15 Years of Giving" Gala Dinner

November 26, 2010

(Office of Her Majesty, Press Department, Dead Sea) – His Majesty King Abdullah II and Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah on Thursday attended the Jordan River Foundation's "15 Years of Giving" gala dinner. In her remarks, Queen Rania, founder and chairperson of JRF, highlighted the foundation’s active role in development since it was established in 1995.

"Tonight, we celebrate the million lives lifted by the Jordan River Foundation over the last 15 years; the million lives touched, embraced, and given an opportunity by JRF, because we believe opportunity is the key to positive and lasting change," the Queen said.

Applauding the efforts of the foundation and its many supporters, Queen Rania thanked every person who helped the foundation accomplish its goals.

JRF Director Valentina Qussisiya also addressed attendees, saying that the JRF’s development projects have distinguished the foundation as a leading organization both nationally and regionally.

"Reaching out to 1 million beneficiaries is only the start, as there are greater goals yet to be achieved," she said.

The ceremony, attended by 800 guests including senior officials, Arab and international artists, as well as members of the media, also showcased JRF's achievements in the areas of community development, women’s empowerment and family protection.

A non-profit organization, JRF has so far worked with 779 partners from civil society institutions in 62 districts across Jordan. Forty-nine thousand children have benefited from its projects and initiatives. Awareness and training in child protection has been extended to 13,000 families.

The JRF has also dealt with 300 cases of child abuse, and provided counseling services to 13,000 children through its Family Support Line. Another 49 youth projects have benefited 6,000 young people. The foundation has also supported approximately 600 charitable organizations through its capacity building programs, established and partnered with 152 cooperative societies, supported 36 different districts, and conducted multiple development projects that have benefited 730,000 people.